Death of farmer crushed by hay bale in Selkirk to be investigated

An inquiry is to be held into the death of a farmer who died following an accident involving a hay bale in the Scottish Borders.

Thomas William Edgar died on September 5, 2024, after an accident at work, which resulted in him being crushed by a hay bale.   

The 78-year-old was a farmer and owner of Linton Bankhouse Farm in Kelso.

A Fatal Accident Inquiry into the death is mandatory as the accident happened in the course of Mr Edgar’s employment.

A preliminary hearing will take place at Selkirk Sheriff Court on May 27 this year.

Procurator siscal Andy Shanks, who leads on death investigations for COPFS, said:   “The death occurred while in the course of his employment and as such a Fatal Accident Inquiry is mandatory.         

“The lodging of the First Notice enables FAI proceedings to commence under the direction of the Sheriff.         

“Mr Edgars’ family will continue to be kept informed of significant developments as court proceedings progress.” 

The purpose of an FAI includes determining the cause of death, the circumstances in which the death occurred, and establishing what, if any, reasonable precautions could have been taken, and could be implemented in the future, to minimise the risk of future deaths in similar circumstances.

Unlike criminal proceedings, FAIs are inquisitorial in nature, and are used to establish facts rather than to apportion blame.